Anthem Data Breach

By now you’ve heard the news of the Anthem, Inc. data breach. Many are wondering if this will affect them, and what to do next. We are writing to let you know the latest information that we’ve been given on this situation.

This is the largest data breach for a health care provider in history. Anthem indicates that their initial investigation shows that the hackers stole names, dates of birth, member ID/social security numbers, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses and employment information on current and former members and employees. This breach has affected members and employees in all lines of business including individual plans, small and large group plans, Covered California plans, and specialty lines. Current indications are that no banking, credit card, or medical information was taken.

Anthem has notified the FBI and an investigation has begun. The company will be sending notification directly to all individuals whose data has been accessed. And, they’ve created a website specifically for questions about this situation. You can go to www.anthemfacts.com to get more information.

We recommend that you monitor the Anthem website to keep updated on the latest information on this situation. Please feel free to share this email with others, including employees, associates, friends and family members who may be affected. Below is the official message from Anthem to all members.

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To Our Members,

Safeguarding your personal, financial and medical information is one of our top priorities, and because of that, we have state-of-the-art information security systems to protect your data. However, despite our efforts, Anthem was the target of a very sophisticated external cyber attack. These attackers gained unauthorized access to Anthem’s IT system and have obtained personal information from our current and former members such as their names, birthdays, medical IDs/social security numbers, street addresses, email addresses and employment information, including income data. Based on what we know now, there is no evidence that credit card or medical information, such as claims, test results or diagnostic codes were targeted or compromised.

Once the attack was discovered, Anthem immediately made every effort to close the security vulnerability, contacted the FBI and began fully cooperating with their investigation. Anthem has also retained Mandiant, one of the world’s leading cybersecurity firms, to evaluate our systems and identify solutions based on the evolving landscape.

Anthem’s own associates’ personal information – including my own – was accessed during this security breach. We join you in your concern and frustration, and I assure you that we are working around the clock to do everything we can to further secure your data.

Anthem will individually notify current and former members whose information has been accessed. We will provide credit monitoring and identity protection services free of charge so that those who have been affected can have peace of mind. We have created a dedicated website – www.AnthemFacts.com– where members can access information such as frequent questions and answers. We have also established a dedicated toll-free number that both current and former members can call if they have questions related to this incident. That number is: 1-877-263-7995. As we learn more, we will continually update this website and share that information you.

I want to personally apologize to each of you for what has happened, as I know you expect us to protect your information. We will continue to do everything in our power to make our systems and security processes better and more secure, and hope that we can earn back your trust and confidence in Anthem.